Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand VA Disability Rating

VA Rating Tiers

How the VA Evaluates Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand

DC 5126's criterion row is "Five digits of one hand, amputation of", rated 70 percent in the major column and 60 percent in the minor column. Two notes that follow the multiple finger amputations table set the table's scope. Note (a): "The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through proximal phalanges." Note (d): "Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple fingers injuries will require a rating of 10 percent added to (not combined with) the ratings, multiple finger amputations, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm." Note (d) adds to this rating rather than creating a higher tier of its own. Notes (b) and (c) send amputations through the middle phalanges and at or through the distal phalanges to the finger-ankylosis criteria instead of this table.

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

• Phantom Limb Pain

  Nerve impact

• Depression

  Loss of limb function

Common questions about Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand

Is Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand a VA-rated disability?

Yes. The VA rates Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand under VASRD diagnostic code 5126 (Musculoskeletal / Amputation). This code covers amputation of all five digits of one hand. It pays 70 percent for the dominant (major) hand and 60 percent for the non-dominant (minor) hand - the two figures are the two hands,…

What VA disability rating can I get for Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand?

Possible VA ratings for Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand are 70%, 60%. Examples: 70%: All five digits of your dominant hand have been amputated. This rates 70 percent.; 60%: The same loss of all five digits on your non-dominant hand rates 60 percent..

What evidence helps prove Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand for VA disability?

Strong evidence for a Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand claim includes: Operative reports stating the level at which each digit was amputated.; Imaging or a surgical description showing how much of any metacarpal bone was lost.; Hand-therapy or occupational-therapy notes describing what the hand can still do..

What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand?

Common pitfalls when filing for Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand: Failing to distinguish the major (dominant) hand from the minor (non-dominant) hand.; Not raising note (d)'s additional 10 percent when metacarpal bone was lost as well..

What conditions are commonly secondary to Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand?

Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand include: Phantom Limb Pain, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

1. 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5126)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.